Staying Fit
The 76th anniversary of D-Day is June 6; here we celebrate with 11 classic movies about World War II. While sheltering at home, get out your handkerchiefs and experience the uplifting power of our historic triumph over seemingly unbeatable foes.
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Battle of Britain (1969)
The Royal Air Force keeps the Nazi Luftwaffe from crossing the English Channel and invading England. A must-watch for armchair pilots who live for aerial dogfights and vintage planes, and for fans of stars Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, Laurence Olivier and Ian McShane.
Where to watch: Amazon, Vudu. Typically $3.99 or by subscription.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Steven Spielberg earned an Oscar for best director for this heart-thumping drama that grips right from its visceral 24-minute opening scene of the D-Day storming of Omaha Beach. The inspiring Capt. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his small platoon infiltrate enemy lines to rescue Private Ryan (Matt Damon) after his brothers have died in battle.
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube, Sling TV. Typically from $2.99 or by subscription.
The Longest Day (1962)
John Wayne leads an all-star army (Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Richard Burton, Robert Wagner, Rod Steiger, Sal Mineo and Sean Connery) in a sprawling Oscar winner that tells the gut-wrenching D-Day story from the dual perspectives of the Allies and the Germans.
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube. Typically $3.99 or by subscription.
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)
Tough-as-nails Marine Sgt. John M. Stryker (John Wayne) grits his teeth, gets the girl (1940s pinup star Adele Mara) and beats the Imperial Japanese Army in the pivotal Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, Hulu, YouTube. Typically $2.99 or by subscription.
The Dirty Dozen (1967)
Who was even tougher than John Wayne? Lee Marvin as Major Reisman, commanding 12 violent felons (including Ernest Borgnine, Donald Sutherland, Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes, Telly Savalas and Jim Brown) out to assassinate Nazi officers meeting at a French château.
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube, Philo. Typically $2.99 or by subscription.